BELLE & THE 3 BEASTS-June 9-17,2012-**UPDATED 11/27** THE END

[LovingDisny]

Love your trip report so far!

 

[POLY1985]

Sounds like you had a good start at AK, and it looks like you got a great seat at rain forest cafe. That is disappointing to hear about the changes in territory lounge.

The seat a Rainforest was great - loved watching the fish while we ate.
I think they are trying to make the menu a little more upscale at the Territory Lounge. Don't get me wrong - the food wasn't bad, it just was not what I expected.

 

[POLY1985]

Love your trip report so far!

Thank you!!!! I'm glad to be getting some readers - I haven't had a lot of comments so far.

 

[POLY1985]

CHAPTER 7 – DAY FIVE
BLIZZARD BEACH/EPCOT/HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS OH MY!​

Wednesday, June 13
Today was our Blizzard Beach day so we slept in a bit. I still woke up and got coffee and drank it on the balcony. I got the guys up they went down to Roaring Forks for breakfast. Today since we weren’t in a hurry, the bus came right away and took us straight there – figures!
Once we got in, we found a covered seating area near the Polar Pub because Doug and I intended to hang out there. Unfortunately, it was right next to the smoking area so we were gagging on fumes. The boys went off exploring while I went to the gift shop for aspirin for Doug’s headache. The boys stopped back around this time and I decided to go on the Lazy River with them. I love lazy rivers and the one at Blizzard Beach has to be one of the best. It’s so long. After that, we went on some of the tube rides and then went on the family tube ride. When we returned we had lunch. I cannot remember what we but I know we all split a funnel cake. That’s the trouble with the water parks – I don’t bring my camera and then I forget things. Around 2:00 we decided we had did everything we wanted to so we went back to the Lodge. Upon entering our room, we found this.

I had to laugh that our Mousekeeper put “Happy Birthday Zachy”. If you look at his birthday pin, they drew a mouse ear design but I guess she thought it was a “y”.
Everyone showered because we were anxious to get over to Epcot. We had a 7:30 ADR at La Hacienda and we wanted go on a few rides before and just spend a little time there.
I took some pictures on the way to the elevators.

I forgot to mention, while we were there construction was going on. They had the elevator near our room (the elevator by Roaring Forks) shut down so we had to zigzag our way to the elevator on the other side.
We arrived at Epcot somewhere between 4 and 5. The line to get in took a while – it seems some people just cannot function at the turnstiles.

We headed straight to Spaceship Earth as the line was not too long – about 10 minutes. We had not seen it since the refurb. They did a good job with it. After SE we headed in this direction past one of my favorite fountains.

Everyone was really thirsty so we went to :

I tried to get the guys to try Beverly but they were reading all the descriptions before drinking anything and they did not like the description.

When we were done with our refreshments, we decided to go visit Ellen. We walked past Test Track and everyone was SO disappointed. I had held off telling the guys for the longest time that Test Track would be closed while we were there. That is one of their favorite rides and they are really not happy that they couldn’t ride it again before it is changed.
After Ellen, we decided on seeing the fishies.

MINE! MINE! MINE! I love these guys!!!

Nemo and Marlin!
I wanted to go to Turtle Talk and Doug hadn’t gone the last time so we all went. We sat near the back so the families with little ones could get a better spot. This is just SO cute! I love watching the interaction with the little kids. We wandered around looking at the dolphins and sharks and my favorites – the manatees.
When we were done, we went to Imagination.

I still miss Dreamfinder. I wish they would bring that back. By this time it was getting closer to our ressie time. I wanted to go on the boatride in Mexico and wander through and check out La Cava which is new since our last visit. The skies were beginning to get darker. As we were walking to Mexico a duck flew over our heads so low that its feet hit the top of Jesse’s hair. Of course, I had to make jokes about ducking for the duck which no one found amusing. Oh well!
We made it to Mexico just as the rain started coming down. I really love the Mexican pavilion. This will be the first time that we have not eaten at San Angel. Everyone was disappointed when I told them but I really wanted to try La Hacienda and we just didn’t have enough time to fit it in plus I didn’t want to eat in Mexico twice. We did the boat ride and went into the glass shop where I saw this from my favorite movie.

So pretty!
By this time it was time to check in at

We waited about 10 minutes and were seated. Love these lights!

We were seated against the wall in a booth but we could still see out the windows.

I wasn’t concerned since we were not staying for Illuminations. I had another destination in mind.
We had a really nice server (sorry I don’t remember his name) who we chatted with about his home town. He brought us out the chips and salsas and we plowed right in. We were all starving. The boys decided on the taco trio appetizer for their meal.

They also got sides. Jesse got the refried beans and Zach got the rice.
Doug and I did the Seafood for two dish.

This was so unbelievably delicious. Shrimp, scallops, Mahi Mahi. The corn was out of this world! I had a nice white wine with it as well.
None of us had any room for dessert.
When we left, we headed over to the International Gateway. We all got on the boat to Hollywood Studios. This is a really relaxing boatride. Doug had planned to go back to the room so he was heading to the buses when we docked. The boys and I wanted to go back on Star Tours. Our goal was to experience all the different scenes. We had just enough time to ride it twice and then head over to Fantasmic for the 2nd show. Jesse headed back to the room and Zach and I went to Fastasmic. We were able to walk right in without waiting and had excellent seats right in the middle. I bought us water and two of these little beauties:

There is nothing like a Mickey bar!!!!

The show was wonderful and after, we hopped a bus back to the resort.

 

[danicaca]

I really enjoyed reading your journal! We will be at WDW next year around the same time (last week of May, first week of June) and I am not liking all of the rain stories!! Although we know June is the rainiest month in Florida, so I guess we take that chance!
Danica

 

[solana131]

Thank you!!!! I'm glad to be getting some readers - I haven't had a lot of comments so far.

Well, I'm still here. Sometimes I just don't know what to say, but I am certainly still here and still enjoying it! You have great pictures, it makes me feel like I am back there. We went down in July, and I am having seriously withdrawals now. But rest assured that you still have readers, we just may not comment every single time...but we are here!

The line to get in took a while – it seems some people just cannot function at the turnstiles.

Maybe they all got their tickets from Undercover Tourist, like me. And had a whole week of them not scanning, like me. Aaargghhh, it was a nightmare! I had always gotten my tickets from AAA, but thought I would be smart and save $30 this time around. They were paper instead of plastic, not sure if that was why they didn't work or what, but it was very frustrating. One day mine would work and my cousin's wouldn't, the next day it would be mine that didn't work. They told me on the last day that I should go to Guest Services and they could issue us new ones......well thanks for that bit of information on the LAST DAY! Anyhoo....sorry about that little threadjacking rant....but maybe that was why the lines seemed slow for you

I had to make jokes about ducking for the duck which no one found amusing. Oh well!

There is nothing like a Mickey bar!!!!

Totally agree. And at home I NEVER eat the choc covered icecream bars. But there is just something about these. Really good quality vanilla and thick yummy chocolate!

 

[POLY1985]

I really enjoyed reading your journal! We will be at WDW next year around the same time (last week of May, first week of June) and I am not liking all of the rain stories!! Although we know June is the rainiest month in Florida, so I guess we take that chance!
Danica

Thank you! I have to say, I've have visited Florida every month of the year except March. I have never seen as much rain as I did on this trip. We still had a great time - hey its Disney!

 

[POLY1985]

Well, I'm still here. Sometimes I just don't know what to say, but I am certainly still here and still enjoying it! You have great pictures, it makes me feel like I am back there. We went down in July, and I am having seriously withdrawals now. But rest assured that you still have readers, we just may not comment every single time...but we are here!



Maybe they all got their tickets from Undercover Tourist, like me. And had a whole week of them not scanning, like me. Aaargghhh, it was a nightmare! I had always gotten my tickets from AAA, but thought I would be smart and save $30 this time around. They were paper instead of plastic, not sure if that was why they didn't work or what, but it was very frustrating. One day mine would work and my cousin's wouldn't, the next day it would be mine that didn't work. They told me on the last day that I should go to Guest Services and they could issue us new ones......well thanks for that bit of information on the LAST DAY! Anyhoo....sorry about that little threadjacking rant....but maybe that was why the lines seemed slow for you







Totally agree. And at home I NEVER eat the choc covered icecream bars. But there is just something about these. Really good quality vanilla and thick yummy chocolate!

Hi Solana! Thanks for the comments.

We got our tickets from Undercover Tourist for the first time this trip (we too always get them from AAA). I had read on these boards to take them to guest services at our resort and get them put on our key card. We did this right away and I'm glad we did. No problems with three of them but they could not get my husbands to work. It took several tries and the Cast Member commented on the trouble we would have had at the turnstiles!

I also never eat the chocolate coated vanilla bars at home. They just dont taste good. But I Mickey bars!

 

[Moira222]

Hi Linda! found you! this has been fun reading but you know that I can't resist chiming in...

And now I will introduce you to the cast of characters:

Jesse/Linda/Doug/Zach

this is such a nice photo of you four!

Grew up watching The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights. First trip was with my parents, grandmother and cousin during the Bicentennial when I was 13.

aaaahh flashbacks! I loved Sunday nights! Your addiction is as old as my brother

Find our brick*** and take a pic

***And what is this? The Walk Around the World Brick. These are the bricks you see as you exit the monorail and head to the MK. There are some heading out the pathway toward the GF, some heading toward the CT and I believe some at POLY. They started offering them for sale around 1994. At that time, we were planning another child so I wanted to wait until said child was born before purchasing a brick. Zach was born in 1995 and I ordered our brick a while later. Our brick has the year 96 on it. It also has the town we lived in at the time and moved from in 97 (sigh). I wish I would have just put Pennsylvania. So we try to get a picture each year. So far we only missed getting the pic in 2003 – don’t know why.

hmm one of these days I will have to look for your brick but give me a clue!

CHAPTER 2 – WHERE ARE WE GOING? PLUS PRE-TRIP​

I just love this resort too. I have to find a way to get Joe to like it again. Seeing your photos of the refurbed room may help. Our last room was in major need of refurbishment.
I am SO jealous of your upgraded view!!!

Since it’s an air-conditioned wait and it would be our last ride of the day, we decided to stay. It was worth the wait.

love this!

On the boat dock at the Wilderness Lodge:

Zach looks thrilled

Trail’s End is an all you can eat barbeque. It has peel and eat shrimp, beef brisket, ribs and the same fried chicken as the Hoop Dee Doo Revue. They serve their drinks in mason jars. I had the unsweetened ice tea and it was very good.

what? no sangria?




The Keys to the Kingdom Tour sounds like it was excellent. and you really accomplished a lot for having been on a tour in the morning. That Lapu Lapu looks yummy



You got some great shots on the Safari (you apparently didn't inherit your mom's photo taking abilities) - we didn't do the new safari ride since we did the tour, so I'm looking forward to the new "story line" for the ride next time.

​

​

. Upon entering our room, we found this.

​

what a nice birthday surprise! don't tell Joe ​

​

Doug and I did the Seafood for two dish.

​

we had this as well and yes it was excellent!
​

all caught up now! ​

 

[POLY1985]

Hi Linda! found you! this has been fun reading but you know that I can't resist chiming in...

Hey Maire! Glad you found it!
hmm one of these days I will have to look for your brick but give me a clue!

Next time you go, I'll give you directions. It's fun looking, kinda like a scavenger hunt.

I just love this resort too. I have to find a way to get Joe to like it again. Seeing your photos of the refurbed room may help. Our last room was in major need of refurbishment.
I am SO jealous of your upgraded view!!!

It's such a great resort! I'd probably never luck out and get a view like that again.
By now you've seen how much my boys L..o....v...e getting their pictures taken.

The Keys to the Kingdom Tour sounds like it was excellent. and you really accomplished a lot for having been on a tour in the morning. That Lapu Lapu looks yummy

We did and it was!

You got some great shots on the Safari (you apparently didn't inherit your mom's photo taking abilities) - we didn't do the new safari ride since we did the tour, so I'm looking forward to the new "story line" for the ride next time.


Thanks! Yeah, I definitely don't have my Mom's photo skills

all caught up now! ​

Stay tuned, I have a few more chapters to load.

 

[Soarin4Disney]

Wow, the seafood platter looked awesome. I love seafood.

I know where I'm going to eat next time we are there.

 

[POLY1985]

Wow, the seafood platter looked awesome. I love seafood.

I know where I'm going to eat next time we are there.

It really was! I will definitely get it again!

 

[solana131]

I had read on these boards to take them to guest services at our resort and get them put on our key card.

I had planned on doing this too, but I just forgot. I thought about it at check in, but their computers were down and I guess I just didn't think about it again after that. Will do it next time as I don't forsee us ever booking a package deal. It would be much easier to have the tickets on our KTTW card.

 

[POLY1985]

CHAPTER 8 – DAY SIX
EPCOT/WALK AROUND THE WORLD BRICK/MORE RAIN & CANCELED PLANS​

Thursday, June 14
Today was Epcot day so we wanted to arrive for rope drop. Ran down for coffees for Doug and I and sat on the balcony. The guys did the usual Roaring Forks. By this time I was just getting a banana for breakfast and a water.
Of course since we were in a hurry today, we had the usual bus issues. Then it took forever to get through the turnstiles. By the time we got through the gates, it was 9:20AM. We headed straight back to Soarin’ and I wanted in line for the Fast Pass. The return time ended up being 1:00PM. I took them but there was no way we would make it. We had a 12:05 ADR at the Biergarten.
While we were in The Land, we went on one of my favorites Living with the Land. I controlled myself this time and only took one picture.

No usual picture of the giant lemons!
Zach wanted to go on Mission Space Orange and no one else wanted to go. We walked over there and he went to get in line. Doug, Jesse and I used the time to go into Mousegears. Doug needed a new pair of sunglasses. I was looking for a cute Belle shirt. He got glasses but I didn’t find what I was looking for. We were done and went out to sit on the bench and wait for Zach. When he was through, we went back to Club Cool for more tasting. I really like the watermelon flavored one – I think it’s China.
Now was time for Maelstrom and World Showcase was just opening.

We got right in line. They hadn’t opened the doors yet. And we waited and waited and waited.

It was about 15 minutes before they finally let us in. It was really HOT! After the ride, we wanted to cool off some more so we stayed for the film. A lot of people did – I think everyone just wanted to cool off.
It was nearing our lunch ADR so we headed right to Germany.

We got our beeper and had some time to wait so I decided to check out the shops. Jesse went with me and Doug and Zach waited near the Biergarten. I wanted to see this new (to me) shop:

Everything looked so YUMMY!
By the time I was done looking, it was time for our ADR. We went in and we seated at a table of 8 with another family.

I ordered Riesling and Doug got a beer. We all headed up to get our plates. I enjoy the Biergarten.
We have been eating there for lunch on almost every trip. It used to be a sit down restaurant at one time. Even though I’m not a big buffet fan, I think it works well here because there are so many different things to sample. My big mistake with this ADR was not realizing that the show does not start until 1:00. I would have never made such an early ressie.
We were done eating by around 12:45, the people next to us had paid and left. When our server realized we had wanted to see the show, she told us to take our time and she held off giving us our check. She was so sweet! She brought out a birthday card for Zach written in German! Really nice touch. We sat and relaxed and watched the show. When it began, they wished Zach a Happy Birthday!

After the show, we left. I had to take Zach for a “Getting off his Braces” celebration. A nice caramel apple!!!

It was past our Soarin’ Fast Pass time so we decided to head out. Instead of the bus, we decided to take the monorail back and then get the boat back to the Lodge.
Took some photos on the way out.

We got on the monorail and headed to the TTC. Got off that monorail and down the ramp and up the other side to the Resort monorail. This is such a pain. You used to be able to walk across but they have it blocked off now so you have to go down and up. The good news was we got the Avengers monorail!!! We had been watching this one all week and really wanted to see it up close. We loved the Avengers movie. (I am a Thor fan!)

I suddenly had a great idea! Since the walkway is right next to the monorail, we should go get our brick picture! And what is “The Brick” you ask?
I’m sure you’ve all seen the bricks that you walk on upon entering Magic Kingdom. Well, back in the early 90’s they offered them for sale. Since I love Disney and we had our honeymoon there, I really wanted to get one. BUT it was 1994 and I was pregnant with our second child. I wanted to have ALL our names on the brick and since we didn’t know what we were having, I had to wait. Well after Zach was born in ’95 I was a bit busy! I finally ordered our brick in the beginning of 1996. I also put the town we were living in at that time on the brick which I wish I didn’t since we moved away from there the following year.
Anyway, because so many people bought bricks, they ended up going on the path along the water instead of right in front of the Magic Kingdom. I was disappointed at the time but I’m glad now because our brick has stayed in nice shape. When I originally purchased the brick, I got a certificate with a picture of it and a map telling how to get to it. The first time we saw our brick was our 1998 trip. I have taken a picture of the boys with their brick on each visit (except 2003 – don’t know what happened there!)
So, we made our way down the path from the monorail and hung a right. In 2007, it took us forever to find it and it was really HOT that day. I made a copy of the picture taken in ’07 for location – I knew it was next to a light pole and short palm bush and it was also on the edge. We found it right away. The boys are thrilled of course to get their picture taken with it!

We headed back to the room and just hung around the resort. Doug and I walked around over in the DVC area to check out their pool and then went to Trout Pass.
This was the only other night I did not make a dinner reservation. Our plan was for Doug and I to head over to Epcot and eat our way around the world. The boys would get their own meal and do what they wanted to do.
AGAIN, it started pouring right around the time we were getting ready to leave. Doug felt bad because my other evening plans had been wrecked by rain so we decided to try it. I mean this was not just normal light Florida rain but huge downpours with lots of lightning. I can honestly tell you the most rain we ever had on any of our trips was a light afternoon shower.
Our plan was to take the bus to Hollywood Studios and then take the boat to Epcot since we were only going to World Showcase. Also, Doug had never gone in the back entrance to Epcot and he wanted to see it. We got on the bus with a few other brave souls and got off at the Studios. It was not letting up at all and the radar showed it did not have any intention of stopping. SO, instead of going to the boat, we got back in line for the bus and went back to Wilderness Lodge. On the way I called Zach and asked him to get us a reservation for Whispering Canyon for 4. I really wanted that smoked trout that I couldn’t get the other night. The boys wanted to eat in Roaring Forks and so they made a reservation for just Doug and I.
We have only eaten in Whispering Canyon once in 2003 when my parents were with us. The food was good but we are not crazy about all the antics. I know some people like them but when we go to dinner we like to sit and relax and talk. We couldn’t get a ressie until 8:30 so we went into Territory Lounge for cocktails.
When it was time for our ressie, we went and were seated promptly right near the front, not the best location in the world.

Our server joked with us a little and we joked back but he didn’t get carried away. He really did a good job. Maybe they are trained to feel out the customers as to how much joking they want. I ordered the smoked trout and a salad for my dinner and Doug ordered the Skillet.
Our server made sure to tell me that the trout was cold which is what I expected of smoked trout but maybe other people ordered it not expecting it. Here is the trout:

Salad

Skillet

We both enjoyed our meal very much. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to Whispering Canyon. After dinner it was close to 10:00 so we headed to the room to watch Wishes from our balcony.

 

[starousse]

What an amazing woods view room you have.

 

[POLY1985]

What an amazing woods view room you have.

I know - we were so lucky to get it!!!

 

[Moira222]

I controlled myself this time and only took one picture.

No usual picture of the giant lemons!

this is a great photo - most of the pictures I took on LWL came out fuzzy from the slow movement. and I don't even remember seeing giant lemons. Clearly I need to do this again!

Now was time for Maelstrom and World Showcase was just opening.

We got right in line. They hadn’t opened the doors yet. And we waited and waited and waited.

I love the Maelstorm ride, and the movie is great to just chill out. Joe usually rolls his eyes when I say we are riding it. (notice I don't ask LOLO

mmmmm my favorites! Did Zach enjoy his?

The boys are thrilled of course to get their picture taken with it!

thrilled. yeah. that's how they look but I have a general idea now, I will look next year!

We both enjoyed our meal very much. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to Whispering Canyon. After dinner it was close to 10:00 so we headed to the room to watch Wishes from our balcony.

That salad look soo yummy. I can tell its after 5 pm!!! You just had the best view from that room! AWESOME to watch Wishes from your balcony!

 

[solana131]

That salad looks really yummy. We all had the skillet the one time I went to WCC and no one was very impressed. I think I might have to give it another try and order that salad!

 

[POLY1985]

[/COLOR][/SIZE]
this is a great photo - most of the pictures I took on LWL came out fuzzy from the slow movement. and I don't even remember seeing giant lemons. Clearly I need to do this again!
I don't remember seeing the water lilies before which is why I took this one - they were so pretty! I've only ever saw white and pink ones before.
[/COLOR][/SIZE]
I love the Maelstorm ride, and the movie is great to just chill out. Joe usually rolls his eyes when I say we are riding it. (notice I don't ask LOLO
I can't believe Joe doesn't like Maelstrom!
[/COLOR][/SIZE]
mmmmm my favorites! Did Zach enjoy his?
He sure did!
[/COLOR][/SIZE]
thrilled. yeah. that's how they look but I have a general idea now, I will look next year!

I can give you more specific directions when you go.
That salad look soo yummy. I can tell its after 5 pm!!! You just had the best view from that room! AWESOME to watch Wishes from your balcony!

Yeah, the chances of getting that room again are slim to none. We usually aren't the luckiest people in the world

 

[POLY1985]

That salad looks really yummy. We all had the skillet the one time I went to WCC and no one was very impressed. I think I might have to give it another try and order that salad!

I think the skillet is hit or miss. I know I've read that the meat is sometimes dry. I think I got it years ago but it's too much food for me. The salad was very good and if you like smoked trout, I would recommend it.